It’s no secret that maintaining a clean and tidy home is one of the best ways to keep your family happy and healthy. However, staying on top of things can be baffling when you’re always running around trying to find time for everything. That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist — a quick guide to keeping your house in tip-top shape.
It includes some of our favorite tips and tricks, but what matters here is that you use them as a starting point for your home maintenance program. If you follow these tips and tricks consistently, they’ll become habits that stick with you for good.
Here Are Simple Yet Effective Ways to Keep Your House in Tip-Top Shape:
5 ways to keep your house in tip top shape
Inspect and Possibly Change Out HVAC Filters
If you have an older HVAC system, it’s crucial to inspect it regularly and change out any dirty or damaged filters. HVAC systems use a lot of energy, so if you notice that your system is working too hard, it’s probably time to replace it.
It’s also worth checking out the ducts for leaks and cracks. If there are any leaks in your ducts, it could be costing you money every month by keeping hot air from escaping from your home.
Test Smoke/Carbon Dioxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors will alert you to fires, so it’s worth testing them regularly.
The first thing to do is test the battery in your smoke detector. To do this:
- Turn off the power to your home and disconnect all electrical appliances from their power source.
- Test the batteries by pressing one of the test buttons on the face of the unit before turning it back on. If you hear a loud chirping sound, then replace the batteries immediately.
- If there is no chirping sound, replace both batteries with fresh ones.
Inspect All The Electrical Appliances
Make sure that your electrical appliances are still in good working order. Look out for warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned, or check the light switch by the front door. Also, check for a pilot light if you have a gas fireplace and it’s not working. If you find anything wrong with them, fix it immediately, so they don’t cause further damage.
Check the Exterior Drainage
Another thing you should do to ensure that your house stays clean and dry is to check the drainage. Start by checking the gutters. If they are clogged, you need to call a professional who can clear them. They may also need to be replaced if they have rusted or corroded due to age or exposure to water.
Check the gutter for loose tiles or debris if it is not clogged. Next, look underneath your house and ensure there is no standing water collecting in any drains leading into your home.
When you have finished checking all these areas, look at any porches or decks attached to your home. Make sure that there are no holes through which rainwater can run into your house and cause damage.
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Inspect Roofing for Damage, Leaks, Etc.
If you notice any leaks or damage on your roof, you’ll want to get that fixed immediately. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall and snowfall. Roofing companies can help you with this process, but you can also do it yourself if you have the proper tools. If there is a leak, remove the shingles and inspect them for damage. If there is any damage, call a professional to come out and fix it right away.
The Bottom Line
That’s it, a good checklist for anyone looking to keep their home in top shape throughout the year. We hope you found this helpful, and if any other steps make your cleanup routine quicker and easier, feel free to share them in the comments!
